Inderkum football players past and present unite in prayer for Dylan Akins.
Hundreds gathered at Inderkum High School on Sunday to remember Dylan Akins.
Students leave messages for Dylan Akins and his family on posters from teammates and classmates.
Several class of 2013 graduates were among the mourners at the vigil.
Friends brought mementos of Dylan Akins to the vigil to share.
Tears and laughter marked the vigil. JV baseball coach Brian Estensen, JV head football coach Terrance Leonard, CJ Spencer, and Tyler Dean are seen here enjoying a story about Dylan Akins.
Among the messages left for Dylan Akins.
Visitation for Dylan Akins will be Thursday, July 18 at 5 p.m. at Kraft Bros., 175 Second St., Woodland. Rosary will be held 6:30 p.m. at the same location. Services will be 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church in Woodland on Friday, July 19. A grave site service will be held at about 12 p.m. at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery in Woodland.
BY BRANDY TUZON BOYD
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz
Nearly 500 people attended a candlelight vigil at Inderkum High School Sunday night to pay tribute to standout athlete and recent graduate Dylan Marshall Akins.
Akins’ death Friday shook the Natomas community which mourned the loss of a promising young life cut short too soon.
Dylan Akins / Courtesy Photo
“I think Natomas got an angel,” said Sacramento Vice Mayor Angelique Ashby, pointing to Akins’ contributions to the community in addition to his athletic ability. “We are going to treasure the fact that we got him at all.”
Hundreds paid tribute to Akins during the two-hour vigil planned by classmates Ashleigh Lincoln and Jazmine Love. High school officials, representatives from the Natomas Unified School District and Sacramento Police chaplains were on hand at the event.
“It’s OK to cry, it’s OK to mourn the loss,” Inderkum graduate Dasha Banks said.
Akins died as the result of a solo-vehicle accident Friday in Colusa County.
Former coaches, teammates, classmates and family friends shared memories of the young man known for his charming wit and undying school spirit, describing Akins as an “all-American guy who was always trying to lift up your spirits.”
“Dylan had a great soul,” said Rodney Haymer, Jr. “He did everything big.”
Assistant football coach Tod Hamasaki announced the school was retiring Akins’ football jersey – No. 75 – and presented it to family attending the vigil.
Akins played varsity baseball three years for the Tigers as a pitcher and first baseman. He was also a football team captain and a two-year, two-way starter on the defensive and offensive line. He planned to play football and baseball at Yuba College in the fall.
“He bled blue and gold,” said one person, referring to Inderkum High School’s team colors.
Akins was described by many as a gentleman and San Francisco Giants fan who loved his teammates and liked to wear a quirky, straw hat.
Said Rachel Torres, “He will forever hold a place in our hearts.”
Message from Dylan Akins’ mother Stephanie Stoll: “Thank you to everyone who came out to honor my son. It was so comforting listening to your memories. I always knew my baby boy was perfect and I am happy to see everyone else felt the same. We appreciate all of you. Dylan loved all of his teammates, friends, coaches, teachers and Inderkum family! Thank you for helping my baby boy have a wonderful childhood and high school experience!”
Former teammates write messages about Dylan Akins.
Terrance Leonard and 2013 graduate and former football player Brandon Powell.
Recent grads returned to the Inderkum campus to remember Dylan Akins.
Mourners gather at the vigil to remember Dylan Akins.
Head varsity coach Terry Stark shares how he recruited Dylan Akins to play football for Inderkum.
Memorial for Dylan Akins.
Assistant football coach Tod Hamasaki announces Dylan Akins’ football jersey is being retired.
Like many young kids he was starting to come into his own. You could see the maturity develop year by year. His sincerity, strength and kindness will be missed. Always willing to do his part to help out and lead by example that way. I enjoyed seeing and talking with him at the ball field, especially this past spring working on the baseball fields, and at games and practices. The world is diminished by his untimely passing; he had much yet to give.